First, I'd just like to say that going to Costa for a double shot, skinny latte and raspberry and white chocolate muffin is a rather simple joy. I just wish there was more to the seating area so I didn't have to take-away. It's in a Waterstones, so most in the book store, but it could be quite the social point otherwise.

That's the good thing, now to the gripe.

I'm used to being judged by appearance, to odd looks and muttered comments, I'm even used to loud abuse. I had years of it, and though it's hurtful, I can at least shrug most of it off. I got fairly used to things like comments on my weight, when at a work-based quiz night, after scoring highly in many aspects (TV, Film, Music, Literature, Politics, Science), I helped win a section on "Food, Drink and the Kitchen" with questions on foreign food one of my team-mates in the quiz said "Well, I'm not surprised. You obviously like your food a lot."

I got lot to a load of things that people associate with it, because quite frankly, in some cases there is a logical connection. So, I can see it.

Years ago, when I worked on Housing Benefit as agency staff, I had a group of friends there. We were the 'young people' of the office, and amongst them was Ping, who had a very cute hooded sweatshirt that she used to wear when kicking about in her flat. It was cute, and she highly recommended them. It was a few years before I could find one in my size, and I got one before I ever heard the term 'chav'.

I liked my 'hoodie', it was thick, so it was warm, and it also helped disguise my figure slightly. If it started a small summer drizzle, it had a hood. If there was a cold winter breeze, my ears and back of my neck could stay warm. I still like my 'hoodie', because of these things, although now I'm slightly swimming in the thing (it being 3XL, and me taking L/XL now).

Today, it was warm when I set off down to town, so I decided to not wear a coat atop everything else. Most people would probably gasp at that, as I usually wear a coat to hide myself during the heights of summer. Everything was doing well, until the walk back, as I was sipping my double shot skinny latte on the beach promenade, and a grey cloud starting dripping lightly. "No worries," thought I, "for I have sensible fabric hood." So up flipped said hood, five people walked by whilst I had the hood up, every single one of them shot me a dirty look.

I can only think this is down to the reputation of the hoodie in culture today, and it's rather upsetting, that something I enjoy so much and feel so comfortable in, is ruined by the reputation of some people who have used it as a badge and that people can not see behind it.

I wonder if there might have been more conflicting image if I'd been sucking back on Starbucks coffee instead. Hehe, Chav Hipsters. Chivsters.

Went down to town with Tim this morning.

Whilst Tim went to Barclays I raided my coins and took 30p in to the arcades and played the fruit machines, I actually won 60p straight off but my greed saw me lose 20p. Grand winnings, 10p. I rock. The high rollers table of Casino Royale needs to watch out!

We took a look in Toymaster and, ye gods, but how could anyone not love the Star Wars and Exo-Force lego toys? I am especially in awe of the Imperial Royal Guard figures, who have always been among my favourite supporting background characters. There did seem to be quite a void in the store, several areas were just empty space, which is slightly weird this close to Christmas, so hopefully they ae looking for 'the next big thing' to come in.

We then went to Tesco, I got Nescafe Latte and Mocha boxes. Then I did a Good Deed^TM and helped a Little Old Lady^TM get down a jar of pickled gherkins.

Then, on the way back, a Trembling Elderly Gentlemen^TM asked for a hand dialling a number at a phone box, not only did I help him dial but I realised he didn't have enough and paid the extra to allow him to make the call. Strangely enough, and in a circuitous route the extra he needed was 10p.

I then got a new Latte coffee glass from Wilko and popped in to Burger King for a Bananananana Milkshake.

Oh, paid for a month of Terris too.

Went down in to town to drop Christmas cards off in the office, and picked some up as well.

I, of course, then went to Costa again:

- Global - Ears@Face.com: "I'll wait outside if you want coffee"
! Ego@Brain.com: Ok, we're getting coffee. Everybody cool?
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Sure, we're here anyway
Id@Brain.com: Whatever.
! Ego@Brain.com: Well, you have been going on about it all weekend...
Id@Brain.com: No, it's FINE.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Dude, we're cool with it.
- Global - Mouth@Face.com: "Ok, I wont be long"
! Ego@Brain.com: I'll let Mouth know what were having if you can decide...
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Well, Id wanted Mocha. Still want?
Id@Brain.com: Fine, whatever. If we have to Mocha is alright, I guess.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Dude, you are a spoilt brat sometimes.
Id@Brain.com: WHATEVAH!
! Ego@Brain.com: It's ok, SE. Let him be a jerk and get pouty and disinterested for NO REASON.
! Ego@Brain.com: PMed Mouth, he'll get it right today <g>
- Global - Mouth@Face.com: "Large Mocha, please"
Mouth@Face.com: :P
- Global - Mouth@Face.com: "...and one of the Lemon and White Chocolate Muffins, thanks"
! Ego@Brain.com: See, saw you'd get in to it Id. :D
Id@Brain.com: Wasn't me.
TasteBuddy@Face.com: ^.^;
TasteBuddy@Face.com: What can I say, they're addictive
! Ego@Brain.com: Heh!
ChocoLatte@Mocha.it has joined #InnerGuise
ChocoLatte@Mocha.it: Hey boys!
TasteBuddy@Face.com: Sexah!
TasteBuddy@Face.com: I mean, hi! ^.^;
BabyBuzz@Mocha.it has joined #InnerGuise
BabyBuzz@Mocha.it: Hi Room. Hey Choc!!
ChocoLatte@Mocha.it: BUZZY!!
! Ego@Brain.com: Hey ChocoLatte. Hey BabyBuzz.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Welcome both.
Id@Brain.com: BabyBuzz - A/S/L?

Went out for Sunday lunch with Mum and Tim, it was a nice quite meal and was very filling. Seatons Hotel on the Weston sea front, not exactly fancy dining but better than a grotty cafe, and less hassle than a home-cook.

I then went to Wilko on my own, having to pick up a Guilt Gift - you know the kind I mean, the one that you have to but because someone you weren't going to get for has got you something, and they'll question friendship, or keep on or something if you don't reciprocate. I'm reminded of a Smith and Jones joke from that Christmas song:

Mel: You getting anything for your Granny this year?
Griff: Well, I thought about it, but I couldn't be bothered
Mel: Yeah. Well, it's the thought that counts.

Then as I was coming out of Wilko, well, can't let a crap idea die:

Id@Brain.com: Oooh, coffee. Like coffee. Want coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Dude, look at the queue, it sticks out the shop.
Id@Brain.com: Imma gonna have a Mo-cha! Or Moc-ha! Coffeeeee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Dude, the queue.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Dude, fine, we're in the queue.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: We'll be ages. I'm gonna out of body, AFS.
Super_Ego@Brain.com is now Away From Synapse
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Bored now.
Id@Brain.com: Where's Coffee? These people are taking ages.
Id@Brain.com: Bored. Bored. Bored.
Id@Brain.com: Lookit the books. Wanna see books.
Id@Brain.com: Bored. Why still here?
Id@Brain.com: Borrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!
Id@Brain.com: Bored. Wanna leave.
Super_Ego@Brain.com is now back from Away. Duration: 8 minutes.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Dude, sheesh. You wanted coffee, there's only a few left.
Id@Brain.com: Don't care. Wanna leave.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: No, you wanted it, you have to have it now. You *MUST* wait now.
Id@Brain.com: Aww, but coffee no fun when bored. You make coffee not fun!!
Super_Ego@Brain.com: See, we're there now. You wanted something different today right?
Id@Brain.com: FFS. What's the point?!
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Shit, she's asking, make your mind up!!
-Global - Mouth@Face.com: A Large Latte, please.
Id@Brain.com: Fine. Mocha!
Id@Brain.com: FFS. Mouth, why?!
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Mouth, sup?
Mouth@Face.com: Shit, sorry SE. Force of habit, used to him spamming me in messages.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Ah. NP.
Id@Brain.com: Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Least he cheered up.
BuzzKilla@Latte.it has joined #InnerGuise
BuzzKilla@Latte.it: Sup, n00bs
Id@Brain.com: Caff! Yo!
TasteBuddy@Face.com: Ugh. This is revolting, it's like a hot Ass Milkshake!
BuzzKilla@Latte.it: FU!

---

Well, after the very minimal amounts of drinks yesterday, I felt some after-effects this morning. That's rather pitiful, but expected.

Finally got myself up after listening to radio for two hours with my head buried in between the pillows and then headed down to town with Tim to get some shopping done.

Stopped off at Andrew's place to check up while he is away for the weekend and the went round to Tesco.

Walking through to the sandwiches for lunch and I saw it. Chocolate Spread and Banana sandwich, on cocoa-blended white bread. Obviously I had to buy one to find out what it was like. As well as the other shopping, I also picked up Ginger Ale, because I saw so much of it, and Dad used to get it at Christmas. Got to the checkout and was served by an omg!gorgeous girl.

Dear Tesco Checkout Girl,

I know I am probably somewhere around 9 years older than you, but you were freakin' gorgeous and had a great smile.

Thank you for making the shopping trip that much better.

You rock,

Random forgettable customer who had a chocolate sandwich

Then, as Tim went to Barclays, I went to the Costa in Waterstones. Now, I'm sure at this point my body was getting in to it in the internet chatroom that is my body. Allow me to recreate:

Id@Brain.com: Oooh, coffee. Like coffee. Want coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Dude, no. You had alcohol yesterday. No coffee.
Id@Brain.com: Like coffee. Want coffee. Coffeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: No. Denied. Coffee, not yours.
Bladder@Pelvis.net: OMFG, srsly? I just got pwnd by last nite, u want more?!
Id@Brain.com: Coffeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Super_Ego@Brain.com: Blad, I know, he's such a n00b!
A$$hole@Pelvis.net: He better not try it, or I'll kick his me.
Id@Brain.com: kekeke, mad haxxor!!
-Global - Mouth@Face.com: A Large Latte and a Lemon and White Chocolate Muffin, please.
Id@Brain.com: Score! I'm in ur voice box, haxxoring ur words!*¹

On the plus side, Lemon Curd and chunks of White Chocolate in a Muffin. Yummy.

I've also eaten the sammich. It was and interesting experience as well as an indulgence, it was fairly sickly sweet but not to the point of having an eww factor.

---

Footnotes:
*¹ Now I have used this it can be taken that the cliché is not just overly outdated but that's its use is a grievous error by anyone.

Another day in Bristol. I got in today and Vonnie and Angie made me Breakfast-at-Desk, some lovely buttered Hovis brown bread toast, it was just perfect - warmed up, but only enough to have a slight crunkle to the bite.

Andy bought some coffee in from one of the merchants in The Galleries, which was an amazing vanilla flavour. It tasted like ice cream in the mouth, but like coffee as it slid down, but had a mellow aftertaste. Freakin' gorgeous.

The tendency to have people say "The AO's...and Chris" and "The Admin Team...and Chris", has led to me just being referred to as "And Chris". I guess it's a bit better than Muttley.

Oh, and I came up with a pun on the train that I didn't want to waste. It raised a groan, and so was worth the fact that I actually had to wait for a topic to be contrived to use it, but I finally managed:

Me: I want to dedicate my life to writing fake eulogies and farewell messages in newspapers for people who don't really exist
Andy: Why?
Me: It's a compulsion, I'm an obitual liar.

Went down in to town with Tim and then parted to meet up with Rob C for a coffee in Costa which was good and a white chocolate and lemon muffin which was reeeeeally good.

I've had a real influx of coffee and milkshakes recently, as well as a stash of junk food. Since last Wednesday I've been to BK three times, Papa's chip shop three times, Costa thrice, and Alun and Vonnie got me a coffee from Nero.

Ye gods, I blame the Moon currently being in Cancer, and the need for nurturing in the form of comfort foods. Yeah, that's it.